Kita na Kita (MaColet)

Pangalawang Pagkakataon, Unti-unti

"How are you and Ate Chie?" Maloi asked, her voice tinged with a curiosity that took me by surprise. It was the first time she showed genuine interest in my relationship, more than she ever did with Jhoanna, and Stacey or Mikha and Aiah. I could feel a shift in the air, a subtle yet profound change in our dynamic.

Our vacation plan pushed through, but this time, we weren't alone. Gwen and Sheena joined us, and we opted for a shared villa in the breathtaking beauty of El Nido. Being with them felt refreshing, a brief escape from the heaviness that had been clouding my mind. The days were filled with laughter and exploration, but underneath the surface, a storm was brewing within me.

"Loi, kasi... Chie and I are over," I finally responded, my voice breaking slightly. "Almost a month na."

The weight of my confession hung in the air. I hadn't told the girls about the breakup yet, not wanting to make it a big deal. I craved neither pity nor concern, although I knew it would come from a place of love. Chie was my first girlfriend, and this was uncharted territory for me. Yet, there was a sense of relief in our separation, a burden lifted, but how could I explain that?

"Shucks. Sorry. I—" Maloi began, but I cut her off gently.

"Shh. It's okay. Hindi lang siguro kami para sa isa't isa. But I am happy that she became part of my life." The words felt like sandpaper against my throat, each one harder to say than the last. I thought I was okay, but vocalizing it to someone I had feelings for made it painfully real. It was complicated, yet Maloi was among the first I wanted to confide in.

As tears welled up in Maloi's eyes, I felt my own resolve crumble. I hadn't cried in weeks, not truly, but now, seeing her empathy, I broke down. She pulled me into a tight embrace, her presence a comforting anchor. She didn't say anything, just held me as I let it all out. Her empathy was rare, and it touched me deeply. I could feel her trembling slightly, as if holding back her own tears for my sake.

"She wanted to have a family, a child. It's something I can't give. Honestly, I didn't expect us to last for a long time." The confession tumbled out, raw and unfiltered. I cried, and Maloi listened, her own eyes glistening with restrained tears. I could sense her struggle to hold back, to be strong for me. The silence stretched, heavy with unspoken emotions.

Maloi's hand tightened around mine. "You deserve to be happy, Colet. I know it hurts now, but it will get better. I promise," she whispered, her voice breaking.

Suddenly, a familiar voice interrupted the moment. "Guess who's here?!" It was Aiah, her presence a burst of energy. She had been in London the last I heard, and now she is here, a surprising and welcome distraction.

"Why are you two crying?!" she exclaimed, concern etching her features.

I didn't respond immediately. Instead, I went to her, finding solace in another comfort person, my other best friend. "Bai... it's over. Chie and I."

Aiah's eyes widened, and she pulled me into a hug, her own tears flowing freely. When Gwen and Sheena arrived, they joined in, and we all cried together, a collective outpouring of emotions. It was cathartic, a shared grief that bonded us even tighter. The weight of my heartbreak felt a little lighter with them around, their presence a balm to my wounded heart.

But I resolved not to let this heartbreak overshadow our reunion or our vacation. The absence of Stacey, Jho, and Mikha was felt, but their spirits were with us. Amidst the tears and the heartbreak, I found solace in the love and support of my friends, knowing that this was just another chapter in our ever-evolving story.

That night, as the laughter and tears mingled, I realized something profound. Heartbreak and healing are intertwined, and in the presence of true friends, even the heaviest burdens can be shared and lightened. We clung to each other, a fragile but resilient lifeline, and I felt a flicker of hope. This is not the end, but a new beginning, and with them by my side, I knew I would find the strength to move forward.